'Vacant SRA sites mosquito hubs'

MUMBAI: The civic body is keeping a close watch on abandoned slum projects, which have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The work on several schemes by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) is in a limbo because of several reasons; in the absence of adequate care they present an ideal setting for mosquito breeding, said civic officials.
The municipal administration has now warned the SRA about the risks involved, even demanding a list of the "abandoned sites".
"We have fixed up a meeting with SRA officials next week. We will thereafter decide on the future course of action. Appropriate measures will be taken if breeding is detected," said additional municipal commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar. The corporation had earlier given a warning to the public works department (PWD) for not taking enough measures to ensure that breeding does not occur at their properties. The railways was also served a similar warning last year when breeding was detected within its premises.
"The government agencies must take responsibility for the premises under their jurisdiction," said an official.
Nearly 21 "deserted" SRA projects at Andheri, Bandra, Chembur, Dadar, Lower Parel and Ghatkopar were being monitored, BMC sources said.
"While slums at these sites have been demolished, private developers were given annexure 2 (permission to begin work), but later construction was stalled for various reasons," said a BMC official.
He added, "Water has been accumulating at these sites and this has lead to breeding of female anopheles mosquitoes. Since such areas are not under the jurisdiction of the civic body, no anti-malaria treatment has been carried out," said officials. The SRA scheme was introduced more than a decade ago, with the promise of giving 8 lakh houses in five years.